Living Funerals
A living funeral or living wake is a similar ceremony as traditional wake or funeral, except it happens before the person has died.
More and more people are holding living funerals to gather their loved ones to commemorate the final chapter of their lives, particularly if they are getting on in years or if they have received a terminal diagnosis. This can leave a person feeling lost and vulnerable, and in contrast, a celebration in their honour can be a way to help a dying person find renewal as they hear how their life has impacted others.
It can also be an opportunity for those living far away or not as often in touch, to give gratitude and love, which will help in the grieving process when a loved one has passed. How often have we said to ourselves, “I wish I’d seen X more recently”? A living funeral gives a community of friends and family a time to come together, to celebrate, and to tell a loved one the impact they have made on their lives, while they are still here to hear it.
“And on a cold Sunday afternoon, he was joined in his home by a small group of friends and family for a ‘living funeral’. Each of them spoke and paid tribute.. Some cried. Some laughed. One woman read a poem:
’My dear and loving cousin..
Your ageless heart as you ,love through time, layer on layer, tender sequoia..’
.. And all the heartfelt things we never get to say to those we love, Morrie said that day.”